Networking for SLPs

All the networking our brain does is exhausting

Blech. I dislike that word very much. Why? Because networking is schmoozing and I’m terrible at schmoozing. And if you think networking is only schmoozing and schmoozing is networking and that’s the end of the story, then that would be a pretty crappy story. Thankfully, networking is SO MUCH MORE. It’s about connecting with colleagues. Plain and simple. Learn their name, learn their specialty, learn their setting, and learn what they’re passionate about in the field. That’s it, that’s the list. With just those four pieces of information, you now have a colleague you can reach out to for help. In turn, be someone they can reach out to as well. Even if you feel like you have nothing to offer them, that’s a LIE. You do. You know more than you realize.

Reaching out and meeting people makes me break into a cold sweat. I’m not completely paralyzed by the idea, but I’d really rather not. However, I came to a point in my career when I realized that it’s not really an option for me to remain so isolated. So, slowly, ever so slowly, I have taken tentative steps to reach out to other SLPs and create a network of colleagues who I can turn to with questions, moral support, and successes.

It was only with recent reflection that I realized what an amazing group of SLPs I have access to. And it only took me getting out of my comfort zone a few times (okay, repeatedly) to build this network of incredible and incredibly helpful SLPs.

It started by my attendance to a monthly Dysphagia Study Group meeting that brings together SLPs from the entire metro area. One of the habits is to go around and introduce yourself with your name and place you work. This information is really helpful if an SLP mentions that she works in a voice and swallow clinic and you have burning questions about voice therapy. Case in point, I went over to said SLP after the meeting and asked if she wouldn’t mind answering questions I have about voice therapy and being available in the future if I have more questions. She agreed and has been a wonderful resource ever since. Especially since I get referrals from her clinic from time to time and can speak with her directly about continuity of care for that patient.

Also, I took a PRN job at a large hospital and through that, I have been able to meet so many more SLPs who I have pumped for information and continue to learn from when we work together. It’s really incredible to be a part of an environment that is keen to learn more, hone their SLP skills, and always focused on improving the services they can offer their patients. Even as a PRN, I feel included in that mission and it spurs me on to seek more education, more resources, more literature, and keep growing.

Another way that I network is to supervise graduate students. One day, they won’t be students anymore, but colleagues. And that is an excellent return on investment!

I also keep up with close friends from graduate school. We might practice in different parts of the states, with different populations, and in vastly different settings, but we are connected and we support each other from afar.

And then there’s the internet. Take it for what it is…the good or the ugly, but there’s no other way to get connected to thousands of other SLPs like Facebook groups, meme pages on Instagram, and researchers on Twitter.

How do you meet SLPs in your area? How do you network and build a community of like-minded colleagues?

One thing I have learned is that we’re better together. Networking is no longer a “necessary evil” but an opportunity to expand my scope. I learn new techniques, new ways to document, new practices, new theories, new research, and new friends.

If you haven’t already started, network. Build a community of SLPs that have your back.